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Hokitika Guardian, 8 June 1923, Page 2

That the position looming ahead by the restricted export of red pine is most serious should now he realised very readily. The statement given above is an example of how other mills will bo hit, and the wholo situation ■will beccaae something of a catastrophe to the West Coast. There should be an. early organisation of the local bodies, millers and workers to make the impending situation plain to the Dominion at large. In particular the position should be brought home

to the Government. Parliament is about to meet and ways and menus should lie found to have the matter thrashed out on the floor of the House. The effect will lx? disastrous in the matter of employment and wealth production, and that is surely serious enough to justify a reference to Parliament. Steps phould be taken at once, before the Prime Minister grows too busy with preparations for his impending departure to England. It is essential that the whole policy should be reviewed, or at all events the regulations should be modified. To await the actual arrival of the disaster before taking action, is to incur a less which could be avoided by prompt, united action, now.

Tun syllabus for the Winter School for farmers to be held nt Hokitika from June 25th., to June 29th., has now l>ecn circulated. Tlio co-directors of too School are Mr A. 11. Cockayne, Coverniiient Biologist, and Mr A. H. Tucker, AI.A., of Canterbury College. The School will he held at the Town Hall, Hokitika, and on the opening day, following the civic reception, there will he illustrated lectures and demonstrations with regard to dairy cows by Mr H. IL Watson, of the Agricultural Department. The evening addresses promise to be specially attractive, as both Messrs Cockayne and Tocker are to speak. Tuesday will be a full day of lectures and instruction, the subjects dealing with diseases affecting farm horses and pigs, and an illustrated lecture on dairy farm management. On the third morning soil fertility is to be dealt with, and in the afternoon there will be a visit to the Kokatahi Winter Show. There will he an address at the Town Hall at night. Thursday (fourth day) will be another full day, and our much appreciated friend Major Stafford will take up tile parable. The School closes on the Friday with turttier lectures, an afternoon visit to Arnhura, and ft social gathering at night. There is only a nominal charge for the lecture's, and the settlors and their families should ai range to attend in force.

An impel taut conference of South Island County Councils is to he held at Chiistelnireh on the 20th. inst., convened by the Bruce County Council, when the Main Highways Act, 1922, is to be considered. Consideration carries with it the question of the licensing of motor" vehicles, which the local bodies are finding cause so much damage to the roads, and add so greatly to the expenditure for upkeep. It. is not unlikely that the whole subject wi.l be closely reviewed, and the idea, is, if possible to ask for the amending of the law at the coining session to meet the ease. The Board under the Highways Act is to be announced very shortly, and it is expected will get into operation, so a* to set about- its administrative work next financial year. The local bodies may approach tile Board through the District Councils, upon which t ' will have representatives. The Alain Highways Ait aims at a new system of road construction and maintenance with the idea of co-ordinating action, and standardising the work. Generally the provisions are approved as .-eing 111 the right direction, though it- is conceivable with a uniform system there will be some eases of hardship arising, but no doubt the measure will le given a fair trial.